Doha: The Primary Health Care Corporation (PHCC), through its “Asnani” School Oral Health Program, successfully conducted medical screening for over 31,000 students across 152 schools, including 55 kindergartens and 97 primary schools, during the 2024-2025 academic year as part of a campaign for dental screening, education, and preventive treatment.
According to Qatar News Agency, Manager of the Oral Health Promotion and Prevention Department at PHCC, Dr. Najat Alyafei, stated that the results revealed significant figures, showing that tooth decay remains one of the most common health problems among children. The data showed that 68 percent of kindergarten children had caries in their baby teeth, while the rate rose to 79 percent among primary school students. The percentage of decay in permanent teeth among primary students reached 35 percent.
The results also indicated that 62 percent of kindergarten children had untreated caries, in addition to 29 percent of primary students having untreated decay in their permanent teeth. The screening further indicated that the average number of affected baby teeth among kindergarten children was about four teeth-three untreated, one filled, and very few missing.
As for permanent teeth among primary students, the average was less than one affected tooth per child, which the World Health Organization classifies as a low level of decay, indicating gradual improvement in oral health as children grow older. Dr. Alyafei noted that caries rates increase significantly with grade level-from 8 percent in first grade to 59 percent in sixth grade-reflecting the accumulation of unhealthy dietary habits and delayed follow-ups at home or between annual school screenings.
She called on parents and students to engage positively with the “Asnani School Program”, emphasizing that it is more than an annual check-up; it is an investment in protecting children’s teeth and therefore their overall health.